[DJDB]

I agree that people should not re-home unless absolutely necessary, and that they should think before adopting a pet to begin with. However, I am personally guilty of a pet infraction! A few years ago I was really really lonely. Had been single for several years, and thought that having a small dog as a companion would be great. So, I got a chihuahua, during the most stressful time of year for me (tax season), while I was in school at the same time, and my kids made it plain after I got him that they did not want to help out. After one week I was crying myself to sleep over the stress. I ended up giving the dog back to the breeder (never asked for a refund - was not her fault it didn't work out). To this day I feel really bad about it, but also feel that after one week the pup hadn't really bonded with me. I made a poor decision to get him - it's as simple as that. I pray that he found a wonderful home with people who were more prepared to look after him.

We got Oz in June 2011, but now I have my fiance, who loves him just as much as I do and helps me look after him. My daughter really loves him and also helps out, taking him for walks, etc. I know we will have Oz until the day he passes. We give him so much love and attention - he could never ask for a better home. My fiance and I sometimes joke about a potential custody battle should we ever split up!

Remember that people do the best they can with the skills they have. That goes for parents of pets AND kids. Not all people/parents are created equally, and it's my belief that it's not our place to judge anyone, it is God's.